I am looking to make a tandem jump in TX. I have talked to many experienced skydivers who have stated that safety at TX drop zones varies greatly from DZ to DZ. Does anyone have any insight regarding the safety of specific TX DZs. Thanks for your responses.

Saftey at the same DZ can vary from day to day. Just because a DZ is a USPA member does'nt always mean they are safe either. My DZ is a non-member DZ but we follow the BSR's and have a very safe enviroment to jump in. Best way to find out about the Safety of a DZ is to call them and ask them informed questions. How many jumps do thier instructors have, how often are the canopies replaced, how often is the plane inspected, how many jumps do they average per year, how long have they been in business. Stuff like that. Then based on the answers you will be able to make an informed decision about where to go.

I have talked to many experienced skydivers who have stated that safety at TX drop zones varies greatly from DZ to DZ.

Please understand, no one in Skydiving and NO DZ wants to be unsafe. Remember, Tandem Students don't go one to make more jumps if they are hurt. Everyone STRIVES for the safest environment possible - Some DZ's have Newer Gear, Some have more experienced Instructors, Some have nicer aircraft. I hate to hear that any jumper would slam another DZ for being UNSAFE unless they have some real hard evidence.

Good Luck and hope you make that Tandem soon. What part of Texas? Paula

It depends on where you are going in Texas, its a really big state! Just about any dz is going to be safe. Honestly!! If you are going to the Dallas area, come out to Skydive Dallas. Or, if you going to be down south, the dzs around Houston are reputable, as well as Skydive San Marcos, which is near Austin. Go to the section here on this website called "dropzones" it is at the top of the page right now...search through Texas and email some dzs!